Sweet potatoes get a lot of attention this time of year, but if the only thing coming to mind is that same old casserole, you’re missing out. There’s so much more these orange gems can do beyond just sitting under a layer of marshmallows. From soups and salads to waffles and even ice cream (yes, really), sweet potatoes can handle a lot more than you’d think. Whether you want a hearty dinner or a surprise dessert, these recipes prove sweet potatoes can pull off just about anything.
Sweet Potato Guacamole Bacon Bites
Smashed sweet potato guacamole bites with crispy bacon make a great appetizer. They’re small, loaded with flavor, and easy to eat.
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Rosemary Hasselback Sweet Potatoes
These hasselback sweet potatoes are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and drizzled with a rosemary mustard vinaigrette for extra flavor.
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Sweet Potato Raisin Bread
This sweet potato raisin bread is thick and hearty, with just a hint of sweetness. It makes great breakfast toast for fall mornings.
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Sweet Potato Oat Bars
Sweet potato oat bars are a filling snack you can make ahead. Add in your favorite nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate chips for extra flavor.
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Sweet Potato Cookies
These soft, chewy sweet potato cookies are spiced with fall flavors and make a great gluten-free, vegan treat for everyone.
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Sweet Potato Ice Cream
Sweet potato ice cream with cream cheese has a creamy texture and a touch of cinnamon. It’s a dessert that might just give pumpkin a little competition.
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Sweet Potato Chocolate Chip Pancakes
These oat-based sweet potato chocolate chip pancakes make a hearty breakfast, striking the perfect balance of wholesome and a little indulgent.
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Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese
Super creamy sweet potato mac and cheese with spinach is both rich and nutritious. This is comfort food with a little something extra.
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Sweet Potato Bran Muffins
These sweet potato bran muffins are packed with raisins and perfect for a wholesome breakfast or snack.
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Sweet Potato Waffles
Start your morning with these hearty sweet potato waffles, packed with fall spices for a breakfast that’s filling and delicious.
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Sweet Potato Biscuits
These sweet potato biscuits are fluffy, buttery, and ready in just 25 minutes – a perfect addition to any meal.
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Sweet Potato Gnocchi
This sweet potato gnocchi served with bolognese sauce makes for a hearty fall meal that’s both comforting and filling.
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Sweet Potato Noodles
Sweet potato noodles bring extra nutrition to the table and work well with classic Alfredo sauce for a veggie-forward pasta dish.
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Sweet Potato Banana Muffins
Whole wheat sweet potato banana muffins are a great choice for breakfast or a healthy snack. Perfect with a smear of butter or honey.
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Sweet Potato Pie
This southern sweet potato pie keeps things easy with simple ingredients and cozy spices. It’s a great dessert for fall gatherings or Thanksgiving that skips the usual casserole routine.
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Crispy Sweet Potato Latkes
These sweet potato latkes bring a fresh spin on a holiday classic. Crispy outside, soft inside – they’re like little potato pancakes with a sweet twist that’s hard to resist.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Sweet Potato Latkes
Sweet Potato Chili
This sweet potato chili is a one-pot wonder that’s ready in under an hour. Perfect with avocado, cilantro, and a side of cornbread for a complete, no-fuss meal.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Chili
Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Jackfruit
Loaded with buffalo jackfruit, dairy-free yogurt, and green onions, these stuffed sweet potatoes are meal prep-friendly and great for something outside the casserole box.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Jackfruit
Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes
This beef stew with sweet potatoes is a hearty, colorful dish that brings the family together. The beef turns tender, while the sweet potatoes add a pop of color and nutrition. Perfect for fall and winter.
Get the Recipe: Beef Stew with Sweet Potatoes
Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet with Brussels Sprouts & Apples
This ground turkey sweet potato skillet is an easy fall meal that fits right in for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Great as taco filling, in a burrito, or over greens.
Get the Recipe: Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet with Brussels Sprouts & Apples
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
A low-hassle weeknight dinner, these buffalo chicken stuffed sweet potatoes come together in the slow cooker and can be topped with blue cheese or ranch. An easy way to skip the casserole.
Get the Recipe: Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Brown Butter Sweet Potato Noodles
These sweet potato noodles make an amazing main dish or holiday side. Keep it vegetarian or toss in some bacon or pancetta for extra flavor.
Get the Recipe: Brown Butter Sweet Potato Noodles
Sweet Potato Cream Soup
This sweet potato cream soup looks fancy but is easy to pull together with just a few ingredients. A great alternative to traditional potato soup, and it’s loaded with goodness.
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Stewed Spiced Pork with Cinnamon Rice
A hearty stewed spiced pork with cinnamon rice that’s full of flavor and perfect for impressing guests or just mixing up your usual rotation.
Get the Recipe: Stewed Spiced Pork with Cinnamon Rice
Easy Sweet Potato Soup
This creamy sweet potato soup brings comfort with every spoonful and takes no time to make. Crispy bacon and pumpkin seeds on top add a little crunch to each bite.
Get the Recipe: Easy Sweet Potato Soup
Fall Harvest Chili with Squash and Sweet Potato
This harvest chili with ground turkey, squash, and sweet potato is the perfect cozy dinner for fall. Each spoonful is packed with autumn spices, making it a hit on chilly nights.
Get the Recipe: Fall Harvest Chili with Squash and Sweet Potato
Caramelle with Sweet Potato Filling
Caramelle, a stuffed pasta that resembles wrapped candy, is filled here with roasted sweet potato for a fun change. Topped with balsamic and brown butter sauce and crispy prosciutto.
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Sweet Potato Curry
This creamy coconut sweet potato curry comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it a family-friendly, comforting meal that’s easy on the wallet.
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Sweet Potato Brownies
These sweet potato brownies use almond flour and maple syrup, making for a soft, chewy dessert that’s perfect for parties or after-dinner treats.
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Sweet Potato Belgian Waffles
Sweet potato waffles are a great homemade breakfast, especially around the holidays. Fluffy, crispy, and spiced with cinnamon and vanilla, they’re a breakfast win.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Belgian Waffles
Kale and Sweet Potato Salad
Kale and sweet potato salad combines crunchy almonds and a light, lemony dressing for a side dish that works well for gatherings, barbecues, and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Kale and Sweet Potato Salad
Sweet Potato Frittata
This easy, fluffy sweet potato frittata makes a healthy one-pan meal ready in under 30 minutes – great for breakfast or brunch.
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Baked Sweet Potato Slices
These baked sweet potato slices bring natural sweetness to the table and make for an impressive side without much effort, perfect for any holiday feast.
Get the Recipe: Baked Sweet Potato Slices
Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes
These orange glazed sweet potatoes blend citrus with the natural sweetness of the potato, creating a wholesome side that pairs well with roasted meats or fish.
Get the Recipe: Orange Glazed Sweet Potatoes
Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Meaty taco stuffed sweet potatoes make a fun dinner option. Load them with ground beef and your favorite toppings for a meal that’s both satisfying and customizable.
Get the Recipe: Taco Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
